The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-20
A VISIT TO GENERAL GRANT.
A Serenade by Indiana Soldiers That the Com
mander Didn't Appreciate Very Much.

81 was first sergeant of my company" said
x-Lieutenant-governor Hanna in the presence
of a Journal reporter while talking with party
OF comrades during the G.. A. r. encanpment
I'VE served in the Army Of the Ohio in East
Tennessee in 1868 Ga. We mad no picnic. as
sure you. We were cut off from supplies for at
least four months of the time and were depend
ent upon the country for our subsistence. AT
no time did we have more than one-fourth
ratlons from the government Often for two and
three days at time Issued to the members of
my company for their ratons, each an ear of
corn. We were without quartermaster's stores.
The men suffered for necessary clothing. Their
shoes in many cases were worn out. They were
often compelled to make shoes out of blankets
and the skirts of their overcoats Once during
the cold January of 1864, when our regiment
was on the march, our trail could be followed
from the blood left in the tracks from the bleed
ing feet of the soldiers. The soldiers will
never receive due credit for the hardships of
this service. The soldier is not vainglorious and,
a rule, does not often relate his experience in
the war, and only soldier knows soldiers life.
Take it all in all, think the private soldier had
the most independent time-he had one de-
pendent upon him. We used to think the man
with the shouder-straps had the easy soldiers
life, yet he was responsible for the officers and
men under him. The private soldier had many
a good rig on his superior officers will tell
you an incident about the officers Of my reg
mont. In January, 1864. General Grant, with
his staff on his way North. camped within
mile OF regiment, then near aynardsville,
Tenn. Our officers determined to 60 over and
serenade him, and see if they could not get sight
of the great hero and shake his hand. The
word went round the camp that the officers
all going to see General Grant. A number of
non commissioned officers and private soldiers
wanted to go along, but but
the colonies. the captains and lieutenants were
permitted to join the visiting company. They
went The band played Hail to the Chief the
officers clapped the hands and cried Grant!
Grant, The band played again and the same
cry went up. For almost hour the band
played and at the end OF each time they cried
Grant! Grant, Finally member of the
Generals staff came out of the tent. The officers
wanted to know if Grant would not show him
self. He said he did not think he would, from
the fact that he was busy with orders and dis
patches. They asked himif Gen. Grant knew they
we're there. Really. said the member of the staff,
/ can't say that he does. for he has not turned his
face from his work since you came Something
was said about the improperly of officers leaving
! their commands The visit was cut short. The
| officers returned to the regiment, and many
| were the inquiries as to how General Grant
!, looked and what did he say9 On that SUD
! ject the officers We're SILENT not a word
| would they say about what had taken place.
Finally memb Der of the band let out the secret.
/ From that time until the end of our service the
private soldier that would mention the officers
visit to General Grant to any of his superior of
/ fcers stood poor show to get any favors. See
| James I. Layman, the first lieutenant of my
| company, or "Kise" Fletcher, the adjutant of
| the regiment, aud get them to tell you about
| their visit to Grant in East Tennessee"